474
PRIME MINISTER 16 May 1974
ASSISTANCE TO STATE OF VICTORIA TO ALLEVIATE
FLOOD DAMAGE
The Prime Minister, Mr E. G. Whitlam, announced
today that as a result of reports of extensive flooding in
Victoria he had urgently telegramed Mr Hamer offering
financial assistance for the alleviation of personal
distress and repair of damage. Mr Whitlam also announced
that the Australian Defence services had been requested
to provide whatever assistance could be given to alleviate
the effects of the flood.
" I am saddened and distressed to hear that a
soldier has drowned whilst engaged on flood relief
operations. Such tragic accidents compound the already
grave distress caused by floods", Mr Whitlam said.
Mr Whitlam went on to say that in a letter to
all Premiers dated 27 February he had outlined the
arrangements for financial assistance from the Australian
Government to the States in the event of natural disasters.
Mr Whitlam said that the offer which he made in that letter
applied in the case of the current Victorian floods. The
offer to Victoria includes financial assistance, on a
dollar for dollar basis, for the immediate relief of
personal hardship and distress. As well, under these
arrangements the Australian Government meets the whole
cost of approved rehabilitation and restoration measures
in Victoria above a base cost of $ 3.5 million.
Mr Whitlam said that the expenditure covered by
his Government's offer included the provision of emergency
food, clothing and accommodation, essential items of
furniture and personal effects of those in needy circumstances
as a result of the floods.
The Prime Minister said that tomorrow he would break
his return journey from Melbourne to Sydney and tour the
affected areas and, in particular, the Seymour area so as he
could see the extent of the damage and the hardship being
suffered by those affected.
Canberra